Dad Memorial Layout

My Father-in-Law, Ray, always loved the ocean and was the catalyst behind our yearly family ocean trips which more often than not included not only immediate family, but extended family and friends as well!

Before he passed away, he was so hopeful that he’d be able to make that one last ocean trip, but sadly he didn’t make it and although our hearts were broken, we all decided to make the trip anyway and use it as an opportunity to honor him and memorialize him at his favorite place!

I was particularly close with my FIL and after he passed in May of 2009, I was struck with a deep depression and found myself struggling to get through the day and find any joy in life.

My husband was struggling also, as he was very close with his Dad.

I managed to make a few scrapbook pages after he died, but then just found it too depressing to think about it and I just stopped working on the scrapbook I had started about him.

Recently, I read about a scrap challenge at Scrapping Everyday Miracles and it really inspired me to open that scrapbook up and work at it again!

The challenge was "Sad Moments" and when I read about the details, I KNEW I had to do this one!

The challenge was not only to scrap about a sad moment in your life, but to include a "bird" in the layout somewhere.

Well, this was key for me, as I have always felt that my father in law's soul takes the form of a bird and watches out for us all and checks in every once in awhile!

I know some might think I'm crazy, but even if it isn't REALLY him, I believe it is God's way of letting us know that Ray is okay and is "checking in" with us!

The reason I believe this is because soon after he passed, we took a trip to the ocean (mentioned above) and practically the entire way there, a beautiful bird was following us...very closely, like I had never seen before.

It had a huge wingspan and was so graceful and pretty!

I don't know a lot about birds, so I couldn't even tell you what kind it was, but it was there, gliding slowly back and forth above us.

I think he actually DID make that ocean trip that year...and he wanted us all to know he was with us and was at peace!

Whether it's true or just wishful thinking, doesn't really matter...we felt his presence and our souls were comforted...if only for awhile.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted ~ Matthew 5:4

This layout really doesn't do that trip justice as there were many people there...friends and family...and I took lots of photos, but I wanted to get something down for this challenge as it is close to my heart!

I plan on adding more to this layout/scrapbook later and I will update here on my blog when I do.

I hope you enjoyed sharing my sweet memories of my father in law and will be inspired to maybe make a page about a sad time in your life when you feel ready.

(This photo of  us was taken on Ray's last ocean trip in 2008 at the Oregon Coast)

We miss you every day Dad...Rest in peace and may you always hear the beautiful sound of the waves on the ocean and the buggy's on the dunes!


Supplies/Tools Used:

Cricut Imagine Machine
Hannah Montana Cartridge (Bird)
Imagine More Cartridge (Frame & Patterns)
Colorbok Patterned Papers (2)
Beige Cardstock
Cream/Buff Cardstock
Aqua Blue/Green Cardstock
DCWV Cardstock Matstack, The Mariposa
Michael's List Pad Bloc-Notes Paper, Lined, Brown
Ranger Stickles, Platinum
Baker's Twine, Brown/White, (Really Reasonable Ribbon)
Mini Petal Envelope Template (From: www.naturescorridor.blogspot.com)
Xyron Mega Runner Tape Gun
Super Stik, Permanent Glue Stick (Therm-o-Web)
Duck Glue Stick
Zig 2-way Glue, Squeeze & Roll Pen
Glue Dots, Mini, 3/16"
Foam Adhesive Dots (Recollections)
Mirado Black Warrior Pencil, HB2
Zig Memory System Millenium Pen, Sz. 05
Fiskars Paper Trimmer
Steel Scissors, 6"
Mini Steel Scissors, 3-3/4"
Small Ruler
Provo Craft Bone Folder
Cricut Spatula
Clear Paper Weights (Greenbrier Intl.)

This post/project has been linked-up to the following sites/link parties:

http://www.confessionsofanover-workedmom.com/2013/02/glass-painting-ideas.html

New Year's Ladybug Card

Hope you all are having a great New Year so far!

I've been wanting to get back into making cards lately and found the perfect excuse/opportunity to make one  when I came across the latest challenge posted at Die-Cuttin' Diva's!

This challenge is Challenge #96: A Sketch for 2013 and here is the card map:

The challenge did not call specifically for a New Year's Day card, but I've never made a card for New Year's and the timing is right, so I went with it!

I just recently purchased the "Lori's Garden" Imagine Cricut Cartridge and noticed that it had a cute ladybug diecut on it. 

I had somehow remembered (back in the dark recesses of my old mind somewhere...) that ladybugs were considered "Good Luck" in some cultures, so I thought it would be appropriate for a card ringing in the New Year!

I used the Cricut "Create a Critter" cartridge to cut the leaf and the "Enjoy the Seasons" Imagine Cartridge for the pattern on the leaf.

The "Happy New Year" sentiment was cut using "The Good Old Days" digital cartridge from the Cricut Craft Room.

I heat embossed all of the die-cuts using clear embossing powder and embellished the ladybug with some little green gems to give him some bling!

For the final touch, I added some brown satin ribbon and pretty sheer ribbon roses to dress the card up a bit.

I added a short sentiment on the inside also.

I wanted to be sure and make this card a standard size, so it would fit in a purchased envelope, so I made it 4" x 9-1/4" which fits perfectly into a standard business size envelope (4-1/8" x  9-1/2").

Here is a photo of all the tools and supplies that I used to make this card (list following):

Supplies/Tools:

Carson's Creation Sketch Map #13

Cricut Imagine Machine

Cricut Cartridge - Lori's Garden (Imagine)

Cricut Cartridge - Create a Critter

Cricut Cartridge - Enjoy the Seasons (Imagine)

Cricut Cartridge (Digital) - The Good Old Days (Not Shown in Photo)

Paper/Cardstock, Lt. Weight, Brown - Best Occasions

Paper/Cardstock, Lt. Weight, Beige - Best Occasions

Gold Glitter Cardstock, DCWV, (The Mariposa Cardstock Matstack #MS-003-00054)

Fiskars Paper Cutter

Architect Tri-Ruler

Cricut Tool Kit

Cricut Spatula

Medium Steel Scissors (Compton)

Tweezer Bee Tweezer's

Steel Spatula Dental Tool

Tweezers

Spouncer Sponge Dauber Tool, Plaid

Marvy/Uchida Embossing Heat Tool

Recollections Craft Collector Tray

Makeup Blush Brush (For embossing powder clean-up)

Ranger Inkssentials Emboss-It Pad, Clear

Tsukineko Versamarker Watermark Pen

Ranger Super Fine Detail Embossing Powder, Clear

Stampendous Embossing Powder, Kaleidoscope, Transparent (#EP030)

Sharpie Paint Marker, Metallic, Copper Rose, Ex. Fine Point

Ribbon, Satin, 1/4", Milk Chocolate, Really Reasonable Ribbon

Ribbon Roses, Sheer, Dk. Red, JoAnn's (#1201-7125)

Darice Self-Stick Gems, Green

Terrifically Tacky Tape, 1/4", Provo Craft

Zots Singles, Medium Clear Adhesive Dots, 3/8", Therm-o-Web

Zots, Clear Adhesive Dots, 3-D, 1/2", Ultra Strength, Therm-o-Web

Glue Dots, Mini, 3/16"

Aleene's Original Tacky Glue

Xyron Mega Runner Tape Gun

PSA Essential's Custom Name Stamp

Hope you enjoyed my post and if you get a chance, stop by and see all the great cards from this challenge at the Die-Cuttin' Diva's!

This project/post is linked to the following sites/link-up parties:

Thank-you Card Featuring Vintage Graphic from FPTFY

It's been awhile since I've made a card and I've been itchin' to make one...especially because I've been checking out the "Free Pretty Things For You" blog and getting so excited over all the beautiful vintage graphics she (Keren) shares there!

So, I decided that making a card was the best and fastest way to use one of her graphics creatively and showcase it here so that those of you who may not have discovered this site yet can check it out!

(You won't be disappointed...there is so much fun to be had there!)

For this card, I chose the "Apple Cheeked Sweetheart Girl" vintage graphic which Keren featured on her site on June 4th.

You can see/download it here.

This sweet little girl just reminded me so much of the "old days" when I was growing up!

Me and my Sister wore dresses so similar to what she is wearing, especially during the Holidays like Easter and Christmas.

The basket of flowers reminded me of my Grandma's garden which was always chock full of flowers and yummy vegetables!

After I downloaded the graphic from Keren's site, I created a blank Microsoft Word Document and inserted the graphic into the document and resized it to the size I wanted to fit the card. 

(I copied it twice to the document, so I'd have an extra one in case I messed anything up!)

I printed it out on Cardstock using my Lexmark X4975 printer.

I cut out the graphic using regular and precision scissors on the detailed areas.

The window graphic/cutout with the pie was cut using my Cricut Imagine and the "Kate's Kitchen" cartridge.

I really like this cut-out, because again I was reminded of my Grandmother, who was always baking something...including pies!

Here is a photo showing what I used to create this card:

Here is a detailed list of the supplies and tools used for this project:

Apple Cheek Girl Vintage Graphic - www.FreePrettyThingsForYou.com

Georgia Pacific Image+ Cardstock, 110 wt., 8-1/2" x 11", acid free

K & Company Blank White Card, A6 (4.25"x6.25")

Provo Craft Precision Stainless Steel Scissors

Recollections Blue/Off White Polka Dot Cardstock, 1/2 lb. Asst. Printed Cardstock Pack

Essentials Grosgrain Ribbon (Blue/Green), 1/4" (#865-3537)

Provo Craft Terrifically Tacky Tape, 2-Sided, 1/4" (#24-3071)

Therm-o-Web Super Stik Permanent Glue Stick

Glue Dots, Mini, 3/16"

Pink By Design Clear Polymer Stamp, Damask

Jolee's (ek Success), All That Bling, Border Sticker Sheets, Flat Pearls, 4 pcs. (asst. colors)(#50-00200)

Studio g, Acid Free Pigment Ink, Stamp Pad, Melon Pink, (#VP0017)

Provo Craft Bone Folder

Metal Dental Tool, Flat Paddle

Studio g Clear Stamp, "Thank-You" (#VS4911 Series 14)

Inkadinkado (ek Success), Dye Ink, Pad, Black (#61-100000)

Cricut Imagine Cutout, Window w/curtains & Pie - Kate's Kitchen Imagine Cartridge (Provo Craft)

AdTech Permanent Bond Glue Runner

Scotch ATG Glue Gun

Inkadinkado (ek Success) Clear Stamp, "You're So Nice", (Spring Mini Clear Asst. #60-30378)

Therm-o-Web Zots, Clear Adhesive Dots, 3-D, 1/2"

PSA Essentials, Custom Blog Stamp, Self-Inking

So happy you stopped by!

Let me know what you think by leaving a comment if you'd like!

This project/post is linked up to the following sites/link-up parties:

A New Card & Happy Birthday to My Dear Friend Melissa

Whew! Finished another card...took me awhile, but I was a little bit faster this time, so I'm hoping with each additional one I will get faster!

Hubby was getting tickled that at 4:00 am this morning I was still working on it.

He probably wonders why I don't just go and buy one...but he knows how much I love to "create", so I'm sure he's figured out my insanity!

This card is a special one because I made it for my dear friend Melissa who's Birthday is today.

Happy Birthday Melissa!

Thank-you for being such a good friend to me and always being there when I needed someone.
You're awesome!

This card was supposed to be finished yesterday, so that I could mail it to her (she lives about an hour away from me) or take it to her, but...as usual, I struggled over all the little details and it took me longer than expected.

So, my blog followers will see it before the recipient...though I think I will e-mail her a link to my blog so she can see it on her Birthday!

Here it is:

Here is a picture of the items I used to make this card:

Supplies:

Cricut Imagine

Cricut Cartridge: Kate's ABC's

K & Company Blank Cards & Envelopes, White

DCWV Adhesive Paper Prints Stack, 6"x6" (#MS-012-00003)

Joy's Life Mother & Daughter Stamps

Joy's Life Father & Son Stamps

Studio 112 Clear Mini-Stamp (#60-30437)

Studio G i-clear Clear Acrylic Stamp Block (#VC0028)

Black Stamp Pad, Mini (Unknown Brand)

Sanford Color Pencils

Small Metal Flower Brads (Unknown Brand, but I think I got them at Target)

Wrights Baby Rick-Rack, White, 3.70m

Zip Dry Paper Glue

Kokuyo Dot 'n' Roller Adhesive, 1/3"

Zots 3-D Clear Adhesive Dots, 1/2" dia. x 1/8" thick

Directions:

I used a pre-made, white, blank card from K & Company and placed a 4 x 6 piece of patterned adhesive paper on the front.

I glued down a piece of rick-rack on the bottom edge of the front of the card.

I cut-out the teacup on page 35 of the Kate's ABC's cartridge, using my Imagine and colored cardstock.

For the sentiment background on the front of the card I cut out the square shape with rounded corners (included on the Imagine machine) at 3.0" and a smaller one at 2.8", using textured white cardstock and used the color printer feature of the Imagine to color these squares just to make things a bit faster.

The sentiment was something I just came up with, because thinking of my friend Melissa reminded me of a time when we went and had coffee together when I needed a shoulder to cry on and she was there for me!

I printed the sentiment in Microsoft Word using the Catholic Schoolgirls Intl. BB Font.

I first printed the sentiment on plain printer paper in my Lexmark X4975 Printer, then lined it up with the cut out sheet I had left over from cutting out the square shapes.

When I had it lined up properly, I put a piece of white cardstock on my Cricut mat and printed the two squares in color, but did not cut them yet.

Then I placed that same piece of cardstock in my printer and printed the sentiment onto the square, placed it back into the Imagine and then cut it out. 

This took a little trial and error before I got it just right, but I didn't have to waste any good card stock to do it, just a few sheets of cheap printer paper!

This may sound a bit confusing, but what I did basically was cut out two sets of the squares, one to act as a "template" to set-up the sentiment in MS Word and one that was actually used for the card.

Does that make sense?

It would be better if I did a video for this, but I know many other Cricut-teers out there in YouTube land have done videos explaining this, so I didn't want to be too repetitive.

I will try to find one that explains this and link it here...it's basically a way to make any Cricut machine perform like an imagine. 

I added one final piece of  "bling" (which I agonized for hours over whether I should or not!) to the corner of the sentiment...a metal flower brad.

Okay, for the Inside of the card I used some very cute stamps from Joy's Life to stamp the sentiment and a mini-stamp from Studio 112 of two girls drinking coffee for the corner accent.

I decided to color the stamp to give the inside of the card a pop of color...it seemed a bit bland without some color.

Hope you liked the card and thanks for stopping by!